QUDWAH INSTITUTECourses › Islamic Essentials Program

Master the Essentials of Islam

Empower Your Faith, Deepen Your Knowledge, Transform Your Life

At Qudwah Institute, we recognize the unique challenges faced by Muslims in the West as they strive to balance their busy lives with a deep commitment to their faith. Whether you’re a professional juggling work and family, a student navigating academic pressures, or someone seeking to reconnect with your spiritual roots, finding comprehensive and accessible Islamic education can be daunting. The lack of quality resources, time constraints, and difficulty understanding classical texts can hinder your spiritual growth and leave you feeling disconnected from your faith.

The Islamic Essentials Program at Qudwah Institute is designed specifically for busy Muslims to alleviate these pain points by offering a structured, flexible, and comprehensive approach to Islamic education. Our curriculum covers essential topics in Islamic studies, from foundational principles of Islamic law and theology to practical guidance on daily rituals and ethical conduct. With evening classes, experienced instructors, and a supportive learning community, we provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to practice your faith with confidence and clarity. By enrolling, you take a proactive step towards strengthening your faith, enhancing your understanding of Islamic teachings, and becoming a more confident Muslim, equipped to navigate modern challenges and contribute positively to society.

Why Enroll in the Islamic Essentials Program?

Comprehensive Curriculum

Our program covers a wide range of essential topics in Islamic studies, providing you with the knowledge and tools to practice your faith with confidence and clarity.

Qualified Instructors

Learn from scholars who are experts in their fields, with years of teaching experience and a deep understanding of Islamic sciences.

Flexible Learning Schedule

We offer evening classes to accommodate your busy lifestyle, ensuring you can balance your personal, professional, and educational commitments.

Supportive Community

Join a vibrant community of learners who share your passion for Islamic knowledge and personal growth.

Affordable and Accessible

Quality education at a reasonable cost, making it accessible for everyone committed to learning.

Level 1 (Fall 2024)

This course explores the ethical principles and conduct expected of students and seekers of knowledge in Islam. Through looking at classical texts and contemporary examples, students will learn the importance of sincerity, respect for scholars, humility, and dedication. Emphasis will be placed on applying these ethical guidelines in modern educational contexts to cultivate a community of virtuous and committed learners.

Key Topics:
  • Importance of seeking knowledge
  • Ethical conduct and sincerity
  • Respect for teachers and peers
  • Humility and dedication in learning

Dive into the early life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the significant events that shaped the foundation of Islam. This course covers the period from his birth to the Hijrah, detailing the initial revelations, challenges, and the growth of the early Muslim community in Makkah. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the Prophet’s (PBUH) mission, the hardships faced by the early Muslims, and the profound lessons from this formative era.

Key Topics:
  • Early life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
  • Initial revelations and their impact
  • Opposition and persecution in Makkah
  • Key events such as the migration to Abyssinia
  • The significance of the Hijrah

“Tahara Essentials” provides a comprehensive understanding of Islamic purification practices. This course covers the types and methods of purification, including Wudu (ablution), Ghusl (full-body purification), and Tayammum (dry ablution). Students will learn the Chapter of Purification from “Umdat al- Fiqh” of Ibn Qudama

Key Topics:
  • Concepts and importance of Tahara
  • Detailed steps of Wudu, Ghusl, and Tayammum
  • Chapter of Purification
  • Common mistakes and their corrections

“Salah Essentials” is an introductory course on the fundamental aspects of prayer (Salah) in Islam, based on the book “Umdat al-Fiqh.” This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the rulings, procedures, and significance of Salah, covering all related chapters to equip students with the knowledge and practice required for proper worship.

Key Topics:
  • Importance and significance of Salah in Islam.
  • Correct procedures and conditions for performing Salah.
  • Different types of prayers and their specific rulings.
  • Common errors in Salah and ways to rectify them.

“Journey Through Fiqh: Historical Perspectives” takes students on a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of Islamic jurisprudence from its inception to the present day. The course delves into the origins and development of Fiqh, highlighting the significant contributions of early scholars and the formation of the major schools of thought. 

Key Topics:

  • Origins of Fiqh: Early Islamic legal practices and the role of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
  • Development of the Major Schools of Thought: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools.
  • Influential Scholars and Their Contributions: Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi’i, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.

This course provides an in-depth understanding of Islamic creed (Aqeedah). Students will explore the core tenets of faith, including belief in Allah, angels, prophets, holy books, the Last Day, and Qadar (divine predestination). The course aims to strengthen students’ faith and provide them with the knowledge to articulate and defend their beliefs.

Key Topics:

  • Core tenets of Islamic faith
  • Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)
  • Belief in angels, books, prophets, and the Last Day
  • Understanding Qadar (divine predestination)
Levels 2 & 3 (Coming 2025)

Foundations of Tafsir: Unlocking Quranic Meaning.

Foundations of Hadith: The Science of Prophetic Traditions.

Intro to Principles of Fiqh: Usul and Maxims.

Aqeedah Tahawiyya: Exploring Islamic Theology.

Understanding Zakat and Fasting: Islamic Rulings.

Islamic Finance Essentials: Transactions and Ethics.

Deep Dive into Surah Al-Mulk and An-Nur.

Living the Hadith: Imam Nawawi’s 40 Key Narrations.

Key Benefits​

Deepen Your Understanding of Islam

Gain comprehensive knowledge of the core aspects of Islamic faith and practice, enabling you to live a more fulfilled and confident Muslim life.

Apply Islamic Principles in Daily Life

Learn how to integrate Islamic teachings into your personal and professional life, making informed decisions and fostering a positive impact in your community.

Connect with a Supportive Community

Build meaningful connections with fellow students and scholars, creating a network of support and encouragement.

Achieve Personal and Spiritual Growth

Enhance your spiritual journey through structured learning, reflective practices, and practical applications of Islamic knowledge.

Meet Our Instructors

Imam Muamar Dahnoun

The lead Imam of the Islamic Association of Raleigh, with extensive education in Islamic Finance and a rich background in Islamic studies.

Imam Mohamed Badawy

The Religious Specialist at the Islamic Association of Raleigh, a Quran/Arabic Instructional Coach, and a highly qualified teacher with extensive experience in Islamic education.

Imam Saif Morad

The Resident Scholar at the Islamic Association of Raleigh, graduate from the University of Madinah.

Enrollment Details

Enroll now and take the first step towards empowering your future.

Become part of our vibrant learning community. Strengthen your identity and inspire action through knowledge and faith.
Contact Us

For any questions or additional information, please contact us at [email protected].

Your questions answered

Frequently Asked Questions

The Islamic Essentials Program is a comprehensive educational program designed to provide foundational knowledge in Islamic studies. It covers key topics such as Islamic law, theology, daily rituals, and Seerah.
No, you do not need to complete Level 1 to enroll in Level 2. Each level is designed to be independent, so you can join at any stage that suits your current knowledge and learning needs.

Our instructors are:

  • Imam Mohamed Badawy teaches “The Seeker’s Code of Conduct” and “Prophetic Beginnings: Life in Makkah.”
  • Imam Saif Morad teaches “Intro to Islamic Jurisprudence,” “Tahara Essentials,” “Salah Essentials,” and “Aqeedah Essentials.”
Each semester is 16 weeks long, with one additional exam day, making a total of 17 weeks.

The fee for each semester is $120. For Scholarships, please email [email protected] for details.

You will receive a course book for each course to aid your learning. 

Yes, you will be awarded a certificate upon passing the final exam for each level.

Enrollment is easy! Visit our website, complete the online application form, submit the required documents, and pay the enrollment fee.

For any questions or further assistance, feel free to contact us at [email protected]

We are delighted to highlight the amazing work of our community in this impact report. 

Sections